Hizballah Slams EU Over Terrorist List

Lebanese Shi’ite Hizballah has denounced as “aggressive and unjust” the European Union’s decision to blacklist its military wing as a terrorist organization.

A written statement said Hizballah "firmly rejects the EU decision,” calling it the result of U.S. and Israeli pressure.

In Washington, the White House has welcomed the EU move, saying it sends a “clear message” that the EU stands firmly against Hizballah’s “terrorist activities.”

The United States and other Western states have previously designated Hizballah a terrorist organization.

The July 22 move by the EU opens Hizballah to sanctions such as asset freezes.

Hizballah, which has close ties to Iran, has been linked to a bomb attack last year targeting Israeli tourists in EU member Bulgaria. It also recently intervened in the Syrian war on the government’s side.